Considering how many metal detectors by different brands I have seen and used, I have to say that despite being objective, I have some preferences and favorites. Here, I discuss the specifications of the best Minelab metal detectors to give a better idea of them to treasure hunters. But to be honest, their features speak louder than I can.
I wrote this detailed review for those detectorists wondering about Minelab and its metal detectors. If you’re looking for the best Minelab metal detector for your needs, check out the content below to learn everything you need to know.
Top 7 Best Metal Detectors by Minelab 2024
| Rank | Metal Detector | Highlight | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minelab Manticore | The most advanced metal detector | 9.8 |
| 2 | Minelab Equinox 800 | The best middle-level metal detector | 9.4 |
| 3 | Minelab Vanquish 540 | The best entry-level metal detector | 9.2 |
| 4 | Minelab Equinox 900 | Good pro-level metal detector | 8.8 |
| 5 | Minelab X-TERRA PRO | Best new Minelab’s metal detector | 8.8 |
| 6 | Minelab Vanquish 440 | Good budget-friendly metal detector | 8.6 |
| 7 | Minelab Gold Monster 1000 | Best Minelab’s metal detector for gold | 8.6 |
It is honest to say that there is no and can be no best detector that would be suitable for all and cover any needs. Even the most versatile and multifunctional devices have their limitations or flaws.
This is why it makes sense to choose from segments of metal detectors or pay attention to devices recommended for certain tasks. The following list can be useful if you are exactly after this.
If you are not aware of all the nuances of each metal detector listed, and want to know more, please check the full review below. For more instructions on choosing a metal detector that would meet your requirements, please check out my guide on the best metal detectors on the market today.
If you’d like to find out more about each of the recommended metal detectors by Minelab, you can check out full reviews with tech specs on the navigation section of the website.
Below are the key takeaways with Minelab metal detectors reviews of the finest devices by this brand that I believe should be considered.
Minelab Manticore – The Most Advanced Metal Detector by Minelab
This high-end metal detector is perfect for advanced users who demand the best in performance and functionality.
Its Multi-IQ+ technology is the newest generation of Simultaneous Multi-Frequency. Manticore boasts a fast response time and enhanced discrimination. Additionally, the lightweight carbon shaft makes it easy to carry and maneuver, even during long detecting sessions.
And with an IP68 rating, it can even be used for underwater exploration up to 5 meters deep. The improved EMI rejection further reduces interference from other electronics.
What sets the Minelab Manticore apart is its convenience and efficiency for experienced metal detectorists. The Control Pod Flashlight, Display Backlight with Auto Adjust, and Backlit Keypad ensure that you can use the detector in any lighting condition, while the Handgrip Vibration gives you feedback on potential targets without interrupting your search.
Overall, the Minelab Manticore is an excellent choice for experienced metal detectorists who want the best performance under complicated conditions.
Pros
- 10 customizable search modes, from All-Terrain to Goldfield;
- IP68 waterproof rating;
- Enhanced EMI rejection;
- Convenient control box;
Cons
- Complicated settings; wrong tuning means a search session without finds;
- Complicated scheme of audio tones for a variety of targets;
Overall Score – 9.8/10
Minelab Equinox 800 – The Best Middle-Level Metal Detector
Equinox 800 is designed for experienced metal detectorists who demand the best in accuracy and versatility.
The Equinox 800 boasts Multi-IQ technology, which enables it to operate on five different frequencies for maximum detection power. Plus, with an IP68 waterproof rating, you can take this metal detector on land or underwater up to 10 feet deep, which together with six search modes makes many locations available for search.
There is a pinpoint mode that helps find targets more accurately and avoid damaging them or digging worthless trash. The DD search coil further enhances the benefits of the pinpoint mode. The updatable software ensures that you always have access to the latest features and technology.
Overall, the Minelab Equinox 800 is an excellent choice for serious hobbyists who want the best performance and convenience from their metal detectors. Equinox 800 is definitely worth the money and should be considered as an option because of the price-features balance it offers.
Pros
- Multi-IQ technology;
- Waterproof (IP68);
- Updatable software;
- Wireless headphones;
- Gold detecting mode;
Cons
- Quite heavy for long hours of search;
- With time, the shaft becomes loose;
Overall Score – 9.4/10
Minelab Vanquish 540 – The Best Entry-Level Metal Detector
The Minelab Vanquish 540 might just be a perfect choice for treasure hunters looking for a powerful yet comparatively easy-to-use device. With its multi-frequency capabilities, this detector is suitable for hobbyists of all levels, because it is quite comprehensive for learning but at the same time, its features are advanced enough to serve at complicated locations.
The Vanquish 540 comes with a big 12-inch DD search coil, making it easier to cover more ground and detect targets at greater depths. The Iron Bias technology is particularly useful for discriminating against unwanted iron signals and improving target identification.
With four search modes and a pinpoint mode, this detector is suitable for use in a variety of locations. Being compatible with several DD search coils, it offers an even wider range of targets that can be covered.
Overall, the Vanquish 540 is a reliable and efficient metal detector that hobbyists with different skills are likely to appreciate.
Pros
- Multi-IQ Technology;
- Customizable frequency range;
- Big 12” DD search coil;
- Easy to use, switch-and-go concept;
- Iron Bias technology;
Cons
- Not completely waterproof;
- Powered by 4 AA batteries;
Overall Score – 9.2/10
Minelab Equinox 900 – Good Pro-Level Metal Detector
The Minelab Equinox 900 metal detector is designed for serious hobbyists who are looking for a high-performance machine. With its ground-breaking Multi-IQ technology, the Equinox 900 can handle all targets in all terrains – underwater up to 16 feet included.
Thanks to its superior target separation, impressive 119 High-Resolution Target ID system, fast Recovery Speed, and Iron Bias feature, no potentially worthy target goes unnoticed. Six single-frequency options take the level of search even further, making the metal detector adapt to every location. Additionally, the pinpoint mode assists in locating each target in question.
For treasure hunters detecting under any conditions, the Equinox 900 offers several convenient features such as the Control Pod Flashlight, Red Backlight Display, Backlit Keypad, and Handgrip Vibration. Loud and clear audio tones combined with wireless headphones or waterproof headphones allow identifying targets by sound better.
For those interested in Equinox 900 differences from its “younger brother”, Equinox 800, the main differences are waterproofness (10 ft for the 800 VS 16 ft for the 900), enhanced carbon shaft, and better audio tones regimes that allow to better recognize the targets in Equinox 900.
Pros
- Multi-IQ technology;
- Waterproof up to 16 feet;
- All-purpose all-terrain metal detector;
- Enhanced audio tones and overall convenience;
Cons
- Definitely hard to operate without proper experience
Overall Score – 9.0/10
Minelab X-TERRA PRO – Best New Minelab’s Metal Detector
The Minelab X-TERRA PRO metal detector is an excellent choice for highly skilled detectorists who want to explore any terrain in search of treasure.
With its six pre-programmed search modes – 2 x Park, 2 x Field, and 2 x Beach – this detector is perfect for those who want to quickly set up and get started. As your skills improve, the X-TERRA PRO’s PRO-SWITCH technology allows you to switch between frequencies at the touch of a button, giving you greater control over your search in a matter of seconds.
One of the Beach modes is perfect for the harshest saltwater conditions. With this detector being waterproof up to 16 feet, users can dominate almost any location. One of the standout features of the X-TERRA PRO is its compatibility with a range of waterproof coils, including the V12X, V8X, and V10X, as well as all EQUINOX series coils. This ensures that you’ll be prepared for any terrain you encounter.
With a 3-year warranty included, the X-TERRA PRO is a solid investment into metal detecting success.
Pros
- Several pre-programmed Search modes, including saltwater Beach mode;
- Fully waterproof up to 16 feet;
- Compatible with a range of search coils;
Cons
- Too new to understand the real drawbacks;
Overall Score – 8.8/10
Minelab Vanquish 440 – Good Budget-Friendly Metal Detector
Minelab Vanquish 440 is an excellent choice for beginners and intermediate users. It is easy to set up and shows decent performance even if the user is not super skilled.
With a 10-inch DD search coil included in the kit, and several other compatible coils available, this detector is versatile and customizable enough. Its lightweight design and waterproof coil make it quite handy for most locations. Unfortunately, this detector cannot be submerged underwater.
There are three frequencies and a pinpoint mode thus offering a decent range of tools for a medium-level user. Vanquish 440 has comprehensive and convenient controls and is pretty lightweight so even inexperienced users will have no problem searching for long hours with it.
With the ability to update its software, this detector is sure to remain effective for years to come, thus being a nice investment for treasure hunters that are just starting, or looking to somewhat upgrade.
Pros
- Multi-IQ Technology;
- 10-inch DD search coil;
- Iron Bias feature;
Cons
- Not totally waterproof;
- Powered by 4 AA batteries;
Overall Score – 8.6/10
Minelab Gold Monster 1000 – Best Minelab’s Metal Detector for Gold
As one can conclude from its name, this metal detector was created specifically for treasure hunters that have gold prospecting in mind. This also suggests that the users need knowledge, skill, and experience to successfully detect.
This powerful device utilizes VLF Single Frequency technology and a DD coil to provide exceptional performance and stability, even searching for gold in the most challenging conditions. With an All-Metal search mode and pinpoint mode, you’ll be able to hone in on potential targets much easier.
One of the standout features of the Gold Monster 1000 is its unique discrimination specifically designed for detecting gold. At a highly sensitive 45 kHz frequency, this metal detector is sure to help you uncover even the smallest nuggets, flakes, and dust.
Minelab Gold Monster is fully automatic and comparatively easy to use, making it a great choice for experienced prospectors who want less headache with the settings.
Pros
- Fully automatic and easy to use;
- Highly sensitive 45 kHz frequency;
- Unique discrimination created for detecting gold;
- Can be powered either by a lithium-ion battery or by AA batteries;
Cons
- Complicated audio tones for targets that need time to get used to;
- The quality and convenience of the headset are not top-notch;
- Only the search coil is waterproof;
Overall Score – 8.6/10
What You Need to Know About Metal Detectors by Minelab
Minelab has been in the industry for decades and has accumulated unique experience, thus using both benefits to the benefit of the end user. No wonder the brand is popular because they know what the detectorists need.
Being one of the trendsetters in the world and having worked hard on innovations from day one in the industry, today Minelab operates with technologies that have been developed and improved for years.
The natural outcome of this is that their metal detectors demonstrate the highest quality. Users are very unlikely to be disappointed after they buy a machine from Minelab, and what is even better is that these metal detectors stay valuable even after several years of active use. One has no problem selling a used Minelab detector eventually.
And last but not least is that Minelab offers a wide range of metal detector models and even series so one has a huge choice.
To make the head or tail of each model it makes sense to check the corresponding Minelab metal detectors review on this site. Other important nuances of Minelab are addressed below.
1. Brand Authority
Minelab has been producing some of the most efficient and convenient hobby metal detectors since its inception in 1985.
As one of the oldest and most trusted names in the metal detecting world, Minelab has quickly built a reputation and continued to work towards global domination ever since.
The brand has established itself as one of the most reliable and respected in the industry and has been a serious competitor for years (and is still today). Its innovative products, like the multifrequency technology for treasure hunting, have become instant successes worldwide.
Minelab’s flexibility, considerable experience, and willingness to embrace digital technologies have kept it far ahead of the competition and have gained the love of its huge community of fans.
2. Cutting-Edge Technologies
Minelab established itself as an innovative leader in the industry. All its new metal detectors have either supported current technological trends, or even more – have set new trends.
The brand is globally popular with a huge community of fans around the world, and a long list of innovations and breakthroughs on its sleeve.
In 1987, Minelab incorporated Automatic Ground Tracking technology, in 1995 invented multifrequency, then introduced an efficient underwater detector. In 2007, the company employed digital technologies and continued to cement its position as a leading manufacturer that can surprise both customers and competitors.
3. Relevant Durability
Minelab metal detectors are built to last, with many users reporting using the same detector for years without loss in efficiency.
Minelab detectors are mostly waterproof and are usually able to handle any soil mineralization or trash levels.
Updatable software, compatible search coils, and cutting-edge technologies increase the service life of Minelab metal detectors and make them technologically relevant years after being released. Therefore, for metal detectorists truly interested in treasure hunting, buying a Minelab detector is a good investment.
4. Flexible Price Range
Minelab is a top-tier manufacturer that caters to metal detectorists of all skill levels. From kids and beginners to experts, Minelab offers a wide range of detectors for various target and location types. What’s even better is that Minelab offers metal detectors for all budgets, including very budget-friendly options.
This means that everyone can try their hand at metal detecting without breaking the bank.
So, if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable metal detector, Minelab has got you covered; if you are looking for a reliable expert-level metal detector, Minelab also has something for you.
5. Huge Users Community
With a history spanning almost four decades, Minelab has amassed a massive fanbase globally.
Detectorists of all generations benefit from the experience shared within this community, which includes various Facebook groups, forums, and clubs.
Beginners can easily access valuable advice, tips, and guidance from seasoned experts. The manufacturer’s Australian origins make it a go-to choice for those interested in gold prospecting, as Minelab takes special care to cater to local terrains and difficult terrains in general.
List of All Minelab’s Metal Detectors
As a top-tier brand in the metal detector industry, Minelab has struck the perfect balance between functionality and practicality, covering all complexity levels, and the majority of metal detecting needs and specifications.
This means that each detector is reliable, efficient, and meets the requirements for specific targets or locations.
If you’re serious about your metal detecting and gold prospecting, the list of Minelab detectors here offers a variety of options to suit your individual preferences and needs.
| Model | Technology | Coil | Search Modes | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minelab Go-Find 11 | VLF | 8″ Mono | 2 Factory Programs | 2019 |
| Minelab Go-Find 20 | VLF | 8″ Mono | All Metal / Discrim | 2017 |
| Minelab Go-Find 40 | VLF | 10″ Mono | 3 Factory Programs | 2017 |
| Minelab Go-Find 60 | VLF | 10″ Mono | 4 Factory Programs | 2017 |
| Minelab Go-Find 22 | VLF | 8″ Mono | 2 Factory Programs | 2018 |
| Minelab Go-Find 44 | VLF | 10″ Mono | 3 Factory Programs | 2018 |
| Minelab Go-Find 66 | VLF | 10″ Mono | 5 Factory Programs | 2018 |
| Minelab X-Terra 305 | VLF | 9″ (7.5 kHz) Mono | All Metal / Coin & Treasure | – |
| Minelab X-Terra 505 | VLF | 10.5″ (7.5 kHz) DD | All Metal / Coin & Treasure | – |
| Minelab X-Terra 705 | VLF | 10.5″ (7.5 kHz) DD | All Metal / Coin & Treasure / Prospecting | – |
| Minelab Vanquish 340 | Multi-IQ | 10″ DD | All Metal / Coins / Jewelry | 2019 |
| Minelab Vanquish 440 | Multi-IQ | 10″ DD | All Metal / Coins / Jewelry / Relics + Custom | 2019 |
| Minelab Vanquish 540 | Multi-IQ | 12″ DD | All Metal / Coins / Jewelry / Relics + Custom | 2019 |
| Minelab Equinox 600 | Multi-IQ | 11″ DD | Beach / Field / Park | 2018 |
| Minelab Equinox 800 | Multi-IQ | 11″ DD | Beach / Field / Park / Gold + 2 Custom | 2018 |
| Minelab CTX 3030 | VLF | 11″ DD | 5 Factory+ 10 Custom | 2012 |
| Minelab Gold Monster 1000 | VLF | 10″ DD | All Metal | 2018 |
| Minelab Excalibur II | BBS | 8″ DD | All Metal / Discrim | 2007 |
| Minelab E-Trac | VLF | 11″ DD | 7 factory + 4 custom | – |
| Minelab Explorer SE Pro | VLF | 11″ DD | All Metal / Jewelry / Coins / Relics | – |
| Minelab Safari | VLF | 11″ DD | All Metal / Jewelry / Coins / Relics | – |
| Minelab SDC 2300 | MPF | 8″ DD | Normal / Salt | 2019 |
| Minelab GPX 4500 | MPS, DVT & SETA | 11″ DD | 2 factory + 3 custom | – |
| Minelab GPX 5000 | MPS, DVT & SETA | 11″ DD | General, Deep, Hi-Mineral, Patch, Hi-Trash | – |
| Minelab GPZ 7000 | ZVT | 14″x13″ Super‑D | 3 Gold Modes + 3 Ground Types | – |
Minelab Metal Detectors Series
If you are interested in Minelab metal detectors but feel a bit confused about all the series and models, please check out the list of Minelab series to understand what detectors are better for what purposes. Knowing the series, you will easily orient yourself in the array of models.
Minelab Go-Find Series
Minelab Go-Find metal detectors were created specifically for beginners, which also makes them very good for kids and teenagers interested in detecting.
Go-Find machines are all-purpose (although not all-terrain), and there are no additional coils to use or no complicated features to learn. These detectors are lightweight, portable, and very easy to fold and unfold.
The Go-Find series was released in 2017 as Go-Find 20, Go-Find 40, and Go-Find 60 as a counterbalance to cheap Chinese metal detectors and entry-level metal detectors.
Minelab considered the opinion of the community and in 2018 updated the series with Go-Find 22, Go-Find 44, and Go-Find 66 metal detectors, where they enhanced the quality of plastic and improved the technical specifications, but this did not help them get rid of the reputation of “toy metal detectors”.
Minelab drew conclusions from this negative case and in 2020 the community saw a new line of metal detectors – Minelab Vanquish.
Minelab Vanquish Series
Minelab Vanquish metal detectors are also targeted at beginner-level treasure hunters, but only for those firmly determined to learn and progress in this hobby.
These are all-purpose machines that have convenient controls and handy design but are not stuffed with any complicated features yet – only the necessary ones like multi-frequency technology and updatable software – that make them efficient and relevant for a learning person.
As mentioned above, the Vanquish Minelab series was built with the consideration of the Go-Find experience and Minelab made these metal detectors really cool entry-level devices.
Eventually, Vanquish has not only exceeded the popular ACE series from Minelab’s competitor Garrett Metal Detectors but also outperformed them in some aspects, for example, in terms of multi-frequency.
Vanquish metal detectors are full-fledged devices with a cool set of features but still retain the “switch on and dig” concept, which helps beginners immediately get down to detecting instead of trying to master the settings.
Minelab Equinox Series
After almost a decade of E-Track, Safari, and X-TERRA dominating in the mid-range and professional segments, 2018 saw a completely new Equinox series, which brings together all the best from its predecessors.
Equinox metal detectors are created for middle- and high-level metal detecting experts who strive for pushing their boundaries.
These are all-purpose and all-terrain machines that demonstrate efficiency and stability under various conditions, including beach search.
Equinox 600 and 800 became the first Minelab metal detectors with Multi-IQ and Fast Recovery Speed technologies, which, to some extent, even made a breakthrough among metal detectors in the $700-$1,000 segment, and the community highly appreciated the prospects of the series.
Despite the relatively high cost, Equinox deservedly became the market leader and received many positive ratings from users. Yes, there were some minor flaws, but Minelab has already tried to eliminate them in the updated Equinox 700 and 900.
Minelab X-TERRA Series
X-TERRA is one of Minelab’s most successful and popular metal detector product lines of all time.
The first metal detectors of this series, X-TERRA 30, 50, and 70, were released by Minelab in 2005, and in 2009 they were heavily upgraded and updated to X-TERRA 305, 505, and 705.
Already back then they were able to switch between different frequencies, for example, the most typical X-TERRA 705 model worked at 3 frequencies 3 kHz, 7.5 kHz, or 18.75 kHz.
The X-TERRA line deserves a separate post, so now I will limit myself to adding only that this series was the top one approximately until 2015, and by 2018 it was finally overperformed by the updated Equinox metal detectors. It seems that the path of the legendary series has come to its logical end, but in 2023 it comes to life with the release of a new metal detector – Minelab X-TERRA PRO.
This waterproof VLF Multi Frequency all-purpose all-terrain machine can meet the needs of gold prospecting, underwater search, etc. It was created for extremely experienced and professional detectorists and its features and tech specs were organized accordingly.
Minelab Metal Detectors History
Minelab metal detectors belong to one of the oldest and best metal detector brands in the world. It was created in 1985 in the city of Adelaide, Australia.
In the USA, the trend of treasure hunting with the help of metal detecting equipment popped up already in the 60s, however, it reached Australia only by the end of the 70s.
The peak of this trend was reached in the middle of the 80s, because in these years, one of the biggest Australian nuggets was found, its weight reaching 60 lbs.
At that time, all the equipment for treasure hunting was brought to Australia from the US. However, it quickly became obvious that local soils and other peculiarities are too unusual for these tools to cope with.
As a result, as soon as the company released its first machine, Minelab GS 15000 Goldseeker, more than eight thousand of them were sold during the following two years. This very tool turned out perfect for local soils and spotting peculiar minerals that usually surround the nuggets.
Already in 1987, the company incorporated an innovative technology of Automatic Ground Tracking into its next machine – GT 16000 Ground Tracker. It became insanely popular and many countries bought it for several years.
Very soon, this item was updated to XT 17000 which included two frequencies instead of one. This was the first metal detector in the world that allowed the use of more than one frequency.
In 1995, the brand created a multifrequency detector to look for treasures, coins, and relics; the user could enhance the search by switching the frequency manually. Another model that immediately became a success was an underwater machine.
In 2007, the company started to employ digital technologies, and the first digitized product was GPX4000, while its next brother GPX4500 enabled the user to filter off the noise using digital assets. In addition to gold nuggets, people became interested in relics and historical finds, so the company quickly adapted its strategy and increased the range of machines for different types of objects and also for different locations. Its flexibility allowed it to step forward among other manufacturers in the niche.
With time, the company opened a second plant in Ireland and continues to improve its technologies, staying the leader of gold nuggets search machine developers. Its newest metal detector product lines that continue to win global acknowledgment go as follows:
- 2016 – Go-Find metal detectors introduced and upgraded later;
- 2018 – Equinox series was introduced;
- 2020 – Vanquish metal detectors start winning the global community by storm;
- 2022 – new Equinox detectors and later, X-TERRA PRO;
Final Takeaway
DetectHistory is a resource that provides detecting guidelines, recommendations, and reviews, including Minelab metal detector reviews, for treasure hunters with varying levels of experience, skills, and requirements.
In this review, we discussed the Minelab brand and its top products. Minelab is a top-tier brand that offers hobby metal detectors with cutting-edge technologies and a well-deserved reputation for quality.
The brand’s commitment to innovation is evident, and as a global brand, Minelab has an impressive fan base and brand authority.
The brand’s metal detectors are reliable, durable, and perform exceptionally well, making them a top choice for both beginner and experienced detectorists.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced detectorist, you’ll find a Minelab metal detector that meets your requirements, and I hope this review will be helpful for that.
FAQ
There is no one best metal detector for everyone. If you are a newbie, pay attention to the Vanquish 440/540. If your skills and experience are higher than average, you can choose Equinox 700. If you are a confident and seasoned user, Equinox 900 or Minelab Manticore can be your best choice.
The best option is to buy from reliable local dealers that can also assist in choosing the metal detector and managing the settings. It is also more convenient to buy spare parts or additional accessories from a local and reliable seller. But you can also buy online from official international distributors like Amazon and Kellyco.
You can find detailed reviews on all the relevant and up-to-date Minelab metal detectors right on this website.
One of the benefits of Minelab as a global brand is that they have a wide range of products for users possessing different levels of skill, and the price depends on the complexity of the settings and features. Therefore, anyone can find something that suits their budget. In any case, a quality Minelab detector is a good investment.
Most Minelab detectors are either pretty average or a bit better than average compared to the majority of competitors within their own segment. Overall, Minelab detectors are considered the ones that provide a decent depth of reach, but again, the depth eventually depends on the metal detector’s level and the particular target.
